As a result of the government shutdown, the Department of Defense has suspended all intercollegiate athletic competitions at the Service Academies.

The Naval Academy will cancel contests as appropriate and notification on Saturday's football game against Air Force will be made public prior to 12 noon on Thursday.

Tonight's soccer game against Howard has been cancelled. It is not known at this time if the game will be made up or not.

As for Army against Boston College, B.C. athletic director Brad Bates said: ``We have been in close communication with Army athletics officials regarding the potential impact of the government shutdown on this Saturday's football game. Obviously our intention is to exhaust all possibilities to play the game and we will communicate the information promptly as soon as we have resolution.''

The U.S. Military Academy issued a statement saying, ``Sporting competitions can still be at risk but are being assessed by our chain of command and Department of the Army.''

* I'm joking, people. But really, how can they take away the panda cam?!